Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2018-10-16

Release of land in the Northern and Eastern Provinces for resettlement

- Action is being taken to release the private lands to the owners of such lands taken into custody of the Tri‑Forces during the period of conflict in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. In terms of the above, it has been planned to release a block of land 23 acres in extent in Mullikulam, Mannar, a block of land 53 acres in extent in Mullivaikal, Mullaitivu held in the custody of the Sri Lanka Navy and a block of land 03 acres in extent in Thoppur, Trincomalee where the 224 Brigade Headquarters of the Sri Lanka Army has been established, to their original owners. Also, in order to enable the people to be resettled in those areas to maintain sustainable livelihood activities, 03 small tanks so identified are to be renovated while developing the infrastructure facilities in such areas and handing them over to the original owners. Accordingly, the proposal made by Hon. D.M. Swaminathan, the Minister of Resettlement, Rehabilitation, Northern Development & Hindu Religious Affairs, to re‑establish such facilities enabling to release the lands being occupied by the Tri‑Forces and to secure the funds required for the development of infrastructure facilities in the areas, was approved by the Cabinet.